The Gut-Skin Axis: A Functional Medicine Perspective The gut microbiome , which is the collection of trillions of bacteria that populate the human digestive tract, is the main hub of communication with the rest of the body, including the skin. Therefore, skin conditions often have an underlying cause rooted in the gut. In functional medicine, where we frequently observe concurrent gut and skin imbalances, we refer to this relationship as the gut-skin axis . Or, as the saying (maybe just my saying?) goes, if the gut ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Additionally, the skin itself (and other organs/body systems) has its own microbiome that protects us externally from pathogenic organisms. So, skin issues can result from gut microbiome imbalances (and a congested digestive system) and/or a disruption to the skin microbiome. Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema are often a combination of both.
Discover nutrigenomics, how your genetic makeup influences hormonal imbalances, and learn actionable steps to manage your health through lifestyle choices and targeted support.
Well, I have officially gone down the heavy metal rabbit hole as I have discovered that I probably have elevated cadmium and possibly lead levels (test results pending). And with school starting back, I'm knee deep in researching safe food and lunch gear for my kids as well.